Project is about bringing changes in knowledge, attitude and behavior of men and boys on issues related to gender equality and violence against women, leading to reduction in gender discriminatory behaviors and norms at the family and community level especially in parenting, partner responsibilities and intimate partner abuse. This project is basically based on the belief that gender equality through men’s changed perceptions of their masculinity and roles in society are possible if they are given opportunities and spaces to reflect and analyze their situation in larger context of power and relationships.

Project Objective:

To bring about changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviour of men and boys on issues related to gender equality and violence against women; and also make them more gender equitable in selected communities in Maharashtra.

To describe the different kinds of changes that takes place in knowledge about, attitude towards and behaviour around gender equality and violence against women in boys and men.

To increase the engagement of men with and utilisation of public health facilities for reproductive health care services under NRHM, which will include increased dialogue with local health care providers.

To develop a package of community level interventions for implementation among boys and men for bringing about changes in knowledge, attitude and behaviour.

To advocate for including interventions with men and boys in violence prevention and crisis support programmes at the state levels and also in NGO interventions with government agencies.

Project Partners:

Astitva Sanstha and Halo Medical Foundation in Sangola,

Nari Samata Manch in Pune,

Yuvagram and Savitribai Phule Mahila Mandal in Beed district

Project Area: This project is being implemented in 100 villages of three districts

Project Impact:

The men’s groups have started raising the issue of domestic violence in the village and addressed it in many families, having campaign against sex selective abortions, for girls’ education and its relation with child/early marriages, equal property rights, violence against women and men’s role in bringing equality

Men have started examining issues of gender, masculinity and sexuality together which they earlier considered normal or taboo, caste and cultural sanctions and their impact on women’s position in society

Underage girls approached Animator to stop her marriage. Parents of underage girls expressing their gratitude to prevent underage marriage of their daughters

Men have started sharing household work, taking care of children and demonstrating more affection.

Animators have started analyzing their role in domestic violence and started intervening.

A referral mechanism has started for men’s sexual and reproductive health services.